OpenAI buys Glass Imaging for $300M in hardware push

OpenAI is reportedly spending over $300 million to bring real-time AI image processing to physical hardware.

The Wall Street Journal reports OpenAI bought Glass Imaging, a Los Altos startup focused on smartphone camera tech. Founded in 2019 by former Apple engineers who led the team behind Portrait Mode, the company previously raised about $30 million. Instead of editing photos after you take them, their neural networks process raw image data right as the shutter clicks to bypass small lens constraints. OpenAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Why it matters: OpenAI is clearly building physical devices. After acquiring Jony Ive's startup io for $6.5 billion in 2025, adding Glass Imaging points to smartphones, earbuds, or AI companions with smart vision built directly into the camera system.

Your next camera might rely on neural networks before the photo even hits your screen.